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PARKS TAU Issue 20 Issue

PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT,

NEWLY-APPOINTED SALGA SALGA NEWLY-APPOINTED

WE CAN TOGETHER TOGETHER

+ PARTNERSHIPS CONFERENCE CONFERENCE NATIONAL NATIONAL EQUALITY GENDER DEVELOPMENT YOUTH CHANGE CLIMATE 2017/2018 BUDGET NATION NATION + OF THE THE OF THE STATE

issue 20 Cllr Parks Tau (centre), President of SALGA, with partners who entered into partnership with SALGA. TOGETHER WE CAN Councillor Parks Tau, the newly-elected President of SALGA, has called for unity of purpose, cohesion and continuity in local government to address the challenges facing society and respond to their needs.

elivering the closing address expertise, knowledge and experience that in ghting side by side with South African, at the South African Local signi cant improvements, growth and Angolan and Namibian freedom ghters Government Association’s transformation can be achieved. for us to attain our freedom. (SALGA) National Conference Councillor Tau’s speech entitled I wish to honour the legacy of our past Don 1 December, Councillor Parks Tau, From global to local – realising spatial chairpersons and leadership who have SALGA President and recently-appointed justice, social cohesion and sustainable built this organisation during the last 20 President of United Cities and Local development is presented below: years and to whom we owe a tremendous Governments (UCLG), stressed that the Allow me to begin by mourning the debt of gratitude. good work done by SALGA in the past passing of the former President of Cuba, It is because of their commitment that needs to be built on. He added that current Commander Fidel Castro, and hereby we have SALGA. I wish to particularly socio-economic conditions make the acknowledge the tremendous sacri ces of honour my predecessor, the Honourable challenges facing local government dif cult the Cuban people, under his leadership, Thabo Manyoni, and the outgoing NEC to surmount and it is only through collective in advancing our cause and in particular for leading the organisation with such unity

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Duputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and newly-elected President of SALGA, Cllr Parks Tau.

and cohesion during the last ve years, increased mobility; investments in social including four consecutive clean audits amenities; and massive progress in nancial and averaging more than 90% performance management and institutional resilience. against predetermined objectives; Nevertheless, the current socio- “We must signi cant gains in the policy and legislative economic climate and context of high space; groundbreaking conferences and unemployment (particularly among acknowledge the events; and unprecedented labour stability, the youth), poverty and inequality pose as well as his personal role in leading the particularly steep challenges to our massive progress reuni cation of the UCLG-Africa and his development trajectory and threatens to the sector has support in my campaign for the UCLG erode the gains we have made in many presidency; among many other remarkable areas to date. made over the achievements. Hon Manyoni’s legacy We see the mounting pressure that is unquestionable and will forever be inequality and exclusion is now bringing last 16 years of treasured in our records! to bear on the public system, no more its democratic Delegates, as emphasised by Hon so than at local level, with the cost Manyoni, these gains have been made of living (transport and electricity in life, including the precisely because the NEC focused particular) and the effects of spatial on building unity and cohesion in the injustice becoming an increasing barrier provision of basic collective body of municipalities. to accessing opportunities, development services to so We must learn from their wisdom and and poverty alleviation. Ever-increasing continue our journey in this spirit if we population growth will only require more many more of are to build on the gains made and inspire services and place additional demand on the delivery of basic and quality services, the infrastructure of services, housing and our people.” economic growth and spatial transformation. social facilities. We must acknowledge the massive Therefore unity and cohesion in our progress the sector has made during the last resolve and commitment to work out the SUSTAINABLE AND PEOPLE- 16 years of its democratic life, including solutions using our collective expertise, CENTERED LOCAL GOVERNMENT the provision of basic services to so many knowledge and experience is the only Our vision – sustainable and people- more of our people; the rapid development way we can make signi cant inroads into centred local government – is premised and quality of our infrastructure; the the challenges confronting our people. on continuity (building on the successes

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Cover_Story.indd 7 2017/02/27 3:18 PM and good work of the previous NEC) In my view, greater collaboration through developmental mandate and change (new opportunities to joint initiative and partnerships is the • greater scal equity, revenue challenge the status quo). future of connected governance. enhancement and nancial sustainability With regard to continuity, we must keep We need to remind ourselves that the of municipalities up our investment in capacity building vision of our Constitution and White • defending the discretion and right of through the SALGA Centre for Leadership Paper on Local Government is of a strong municipalities to govern the affairs and Governance through professionalism; local government, supported by a rm of their communities on their own labour, peace and stability based on service subsidiarity principle and original powers. initiative, within the ambit of norms and standards; governance support and advice; This required local government standards parameters. as well as pro ling. capability to be built by continuous Recalling the spirit of the White Paper (systemic) support from national and on Local Government, we believe that provincial government, which has we need to close the gap between current unfortunately not happened systemically reality and the sustainability we want, by or with any level of consistency. Greater inspiring spatial transformation, economic During our term, we will, therefore, collaboration growth and sustainability through: focus on SALGA’s role as protector to • good governance and resilient enforce the rights of local government far through joint institutions, nancial sustainability more robustly, and constructively disrupt • universal access to and quality of (in a positive sense) where the existing initiatives and services and infrastructure overall system (legislative, scal, policy, • improving the quality of life and access institutional) makes it impossible for local partnerships is the to opportunities government to deliver on its mandate. future of connected To do so, we will strengthen SALGA’s Above all else, this will require role as an advocate for local government, governance. collaboration and building strategic and by positioning local government at the global partnerships for development centre of our cooperative governance through the UCLG and widening our system, through: We must consolidate unity and cohesion partnership network, learning with • progressive policy and legislative of the local government agenda under cities and regions of the world. We must and regulatory reforms to ensure the leadership of SALGA, with relevant unlock barriers for our members through a more conducive framework for players executing speci cally assigned partnerships, negotiation and facilitation. local government to execute the mandates within a broadly canvassed and agreed collaborative programme. In summary, we must become organised local government speaking with one coherent voice and acting in unison. This conference has reaf rmed our call for strategic alliances with civil society and the mobilisation of private sector investment for our people’s development. It has also reiterated the importance of greater partnerships and collaboration with various bodies and development partners, within the context of resource mobilisation for critical programmes.

A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD At the same time, the world is in a constant state of ux, with globalisation resulting in a similar and common experiences. In this shift, local issues are assuming a global character, with developmental challenges that are no longer just the experience of developing Delegates at the SALGA nations. These include climate and national conference. environmental challenges as well as social

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this conference, knowing that much work needs to be done with urgency to eradicate the scourge – too many of our people are still af icted – we dare not fail them!

Our task is to support local government to respond to the complex and rapid changes of the 21st century.

Cllr Parks Tau delivering his address at the SALGA national conference. A COMMITTED PARTNER I wish to thank all of our valued inequalities emanating from increased paradigm, therefore, requires new stakeholders and partners for their migration and urbanisation. and innovative thinking, supported by continued commitment to strengthening We need to remind ourselves of responsive institutions and appropriate local government and ensuring that lessons learnt on the failure to reach means of implementation. we deliver on our constitutional and some of the Millennium Development The challenge before us is to relate these electoral mandate. Goals (MDG) targets. In this regard, we global commitments into real results that To our African brothers and sisters would emphasise that the New Urban our people experience, in whatever space within SADC and the UCLGA, the Agenda should not be seen in isolation they may be, whether rural, intermediary Federation of Canadian Municipalities, from our Sustainable Development towns or cities. the European Union, the Chinese People’s Goals (SDGs) and that there should be We must ensure that we do not allow Association of Friendship with Foreign explicit linkages with each of the SDGs. the geopolitically divisive ssures currently Countries as well as the Commonwealth The New Urban Agenda is therefore not bedevilling our world to cascade down to Local Government Forum, I wish to only about SDG 11, as all the SDGs our level. If anything, we have to lead by extend our sincerest appreciation for your have a local dimension. example and serve as a catalyst for unity at contribution to SALGA’s 20-year journey In short, our task is to support local regional and global levels. thus far, and we look forward to working government to respond (being empowered) This is the focus of my UCLG much closer with you in localising the post to the complex and rapid changes of the Presidency and I will rely on your support 2015 development agenda. 21st century, and use the opportunities to live up to the promise we have made As the last few days would have that it and the fourth industrial revolution to the world. With the diversity of demonstrated, you can rest assured that in presents for modernising governance experience, context and lived realities SALGA you have a committed partner for centered on people’s development. in this collective body of members and sustainable development. Members, the As implementers and shapers of among our partners, I am con dent that mandate from you is clear. Let us march the future, it presents an opportune our global commitments will translate into forward with unity of purpose and ensure moment to reinvent ourselves to adapt tangible local results. that we practicalise our ambitions into and be responsive to the fast-changing On this World AIDS Day, our pledge tangible, liveable and sustainable local environment. In particular, I think we and signatures today commit us to spaces and places, for the bene t of our have a major opportunity to pioneer lead the ght against HIV/AIDS. We communities and future generations. development and transformation models celebrate the relaunch of the Alliance The fact of the matter is that we that are more sustainable and equitable. of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on simply can no longer afford to leave

IMAGE:S: HENRY ISAACS ISAACS HENRY IMAGE:S: Addressing the new global development HIV/AIDS (AMICAALL) in Africa at anyone behind! ▪

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Cover_Story.indd 9 2017/02/27 3:18 PM THE STATE OF OUR NATION Municipalities must position themselves to benefit from radical transformation of the economy, writes Caiphus Kgosana

ocal government is at the coalface that government needs to undertake to Municipalities will also reap rewards of service delivery, as it is the transform the economy. These include: from the promise to invest more money rst point of interaction between • Returning land to people using into township and rural communities citizens and their government. constitutional means and boosting of township businesses. LAs such, key role-players in the local • Investing money in township and The creation of post-Apartheid cities will government sector would have listened rural communities to build post- assist in terms of the ow of people from attentively to President Jacob Zuma’s Apartheid cities and vibrant businesses densely populated municipalities that are state of the nation address to hear in the townships struggling to provide basic services to all how this sector would be impacted by • Ensuring that no less than 30% of its inhabitants. They may choose to settle announcements in the speech. government procurement goes to black in these new areas and create new booms. Although he did not touch directly on business and Small, Medium and Micro This will mean the creation of more vibrant the local government sphere in the speech, Enterprises (SMMEs) township businesses that will spawn new many of the President’s pronouncements • Turning South Africa into a construction entrepreneurs who in turn will create jobs directly relate to the work that is done site delivering water, sanitation, roads, and boost their local economies, while at local government level. The ruling electricity and houses. paying for services provided to those African National Congress has adopted businesses by municipalities. a programme of a radical economic These urgent tasks above and others listed President Zuma emphasised that the transformation of the economy. Zuma said by the ANC in its post National Executive extension of basic services to the people this radical transformation would have a Committee (NEC) meeting declaration, will of South Africa was on track and that to direct impact on the lives of South Africans have a direct impact on local government date ‘nearly seven million households across all spheres of society. Guided by once implemented. Speeding up land have been connected to the grid and now the National Development Plan, the restitution will result in more people gaining have electricity’. President said his administration access to productive land, setting up He also said that government was wanted to build a South Africa that commercial farms and viable cooperatives to working hard to ensure reliable bulk water ‘must be free from poverty, inequality produce agricultural supplies for local and supply in various areas of the country to and unemployment’. overseas markets. This could have positive support economic growth while increasing His pronouncement ows from the spin-offs for rural municipalities through access to vulnerable municipalities. African National Congress’ adoption an increased revenue stream derived from Government, however, is using the crisis of the Radical Transformation NOW new agricultural businesses and enhanced of excess water leaks in municipalities programme, which lists 12 urgent tasks employment prospects. to make a serious dent on youth

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unemployment. Zuma announced that delivery protest. It starts with those government, South Africa would directly unemployed youth would be trained steps and if we can do that we can uplift the lives of people through access to as artisans and water agents to help be in a position to see changes in our quality services. deal with this problem which is costing municipalities,” he said. “The role of cities, given their importance municipalities millions in lost revenue. But he agreed that some of the as engines for economic growth and job “In an effort to curb high water losses, challenges facing municipalities arise creation and in transforming the space which in some municipalities far exceed out of the scal framework which needs economy and reversing our spatial legacies the national average, about 100 000 to be reviewed. is key,” said Tau. unemployed youths are to be trained Silke said while the speech by Zuma pointed to economic patterns as plumbers, artisans and water agents. President Zuma focused on economic where the wage gap is still heavily skewed More will be recruited this year to reach a transformation, there were a few details towards white South Africans, especially total of 50 000,” said the President. on what needs to be done to achieve those in urban areas. The gap between Municipalities across the country the objectives. “We need to look beyond the annual average household incomes of have in recent years embarked on huge phrases and what politicians say and African-headed households and their white infrastructure projects that have enabled face the reality that most municipalities counterparts remains shockingly huge. them to create needed jobs. But such were nonviable. We should look at best White households earn at least ve times projects alone cannot effectively change practices across the world and review the more than black households, according to the entire economic structure that system,” he said. Statistics SA. President Zuma said was still dominated SALGA chairperson Parks Tau said These are also replicated in the by a few. In his address the President said boardroom where only ten percent of the radical socio-economic transformation the top one hundred companies on the meant “fundamental change in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are owned structure, systems, institutions and In order for by black South Africans through black patterns of ownership, management and empowerment codes, according to the control of the economy in favour of all municipalities National Empowerment Fund. The pace South Africans, especially the poor, the of transformation in the workplace, the majority of whom are African and female”. to embark on implementation of af rmative action But in order for municipalities to embark radical economic policies as required by the Employment on this radical economic transformation Equity Act is also slow. drive and change ownership patterns, they transformation and SALGA said municipalities would need to be effective instruments of service be better placed to tackle these skewed delivery. This means that municipalities change ownership economic patterns and kickstart local must get their house in order if they are patterns, they need economies if they were allowed to seek to bene t from increased investment in funding inside and outside the country. local economies. There are still a number to be e ective Tau believes that through proper investment of issues that need to be addressed to get initiatives, local municipalities can be in a most municipalities on track. instruments of position to create and sustain jobs. Political and Economic analyst Daniel “Local government can play a meaning Silke pointed to the rising number of service delivery. role in the implementation of effective ratepayers who were not servicing their and innovative development programmes. debt, as the biggest threat to municipalities Ways must be found to reinforce, rather at the moment. He said if the payment the role of local government was central than undermine the potential role of rate was high and there were effective to the development and economic developmental local government so that collection instruments, it would alleviate growth of South Africa. He said it was municipalities can address poverty and most of the challenges faced by cities and imperative that the structure of local inequality by developing rural communities.” rural towns. government is assessed in order to help But while the bigger metros such as “The problem starts with us as those municipalities that are battling to Joburg, Cape Town, Ethekwini and Tshwane ratepayers. We are not willing to pay for offer quality services to people due to their have more healthy balance sheets that services rendered and we are the rst to inability to collect enough revenue. make them attractive to local and foreign raise questions and concerns that we are Tau believes that through local investors, the same cannot be said about not being serviced effectively. It would development and the growth of municipal other municipalities. Many have capacity be proper if there was support across the economies, national government can be constraints and are unable to attract board. Let’s inculcate a culture of paying in a position to drive national growth and quali ed and skilled nancial managers to for services and look after infrastructure ght the growing inequalities across the balance their books. They are also unable that we lose every time there is a service country. He said by empowering local to generate enough revenue due to the

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high number of residents that are unable to pay for services, or insuf cient revenue collection policies and systems in place. Power utility Eskom has recently threatened to cut off a number of municipalities that are struggling to settle Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President, and Jacob outstanding electricity bills. This could Zuma. President of the Republic of South Africa have a catastrophic effect on those towns at this years State of the Nationa Address. that are affected, as business activity would come to a standstill and inhabitants one from Eskom to cut off entire towns, services to their residents. At the same hit hard by a lack of power supply. which could have a devastating effect. time, the build programme is creating The impasse between municipalities Tau also concurred, saying some thousands of jobs especially for and Eskom due to outstanding debt of these municipalities would remain unemployed youths and fostering much owed is having a negative effect on the unviable and unsustainable because needed skills transfer. These are the skills local government sector and emphasises of the scal instruments and the that the municipalities will need going the need to undertake a fundamental allocative formula. forward to maintain these assets. structural review of the funding framework “Without the reconsideration of our Government also runs poverty of municipalities. scal instruments and the allocative alleviation programmes through its formula, some of our municipalities will Expanded Public Works Programme remain unviable and unsustainable.” (EPWP). Social grants now reach close to While there has been some stability 17-million people, mainly older persons Social grants now in that past nancial years, a number and children. These are families that of municipalities, about 50 percent of would not be able to put food on the table reach close to 17 them, now boast unquali ed audits. if it were not for social grants. million people, Disclaimers and adverse opinions Since 2014 the EPWP has created from the Auditor General’s of ce have more than two million work opportunities, mainly older been reduced. This is attributed to a milestone towards the attainment of the work done by SALGA to assist its target of creating six million work persons and municipalities to attract the best skills in opportunities by the end of March 2019. children. the labour market. Of the work opportunities that have been The body has established an institute for created, more than a million have been Leadership and Governance to help train taken up by the youth. Another analyst pointed out that and support political and administrative “During 2015/2016, more than 61 000 municipalities are collectively owed leadership at local level. work opportunities were created through R130-billion for services, while their Tau said SALGA is committed to environmental programmes such as equitable share of national revenue improving employment at municipal Working for Water, Working keeps declining in real terms. The level: raising income; reducing poverty for Wetlands, Working on Fire and equitable share is an unconditional grant and inequality by raising employment, Working for Ecosystems. More than that enables municipalities to provide bolstering productivity and broadening the 60% of the bene ciaries were young basic services to poor households, and social wage. people,” said President Zuma in to enable municipalities with limited The State spends R500-billion a year his speech. own resources and governance capacity buying goods and services. In addition He said government was also working to perform core municipal functions. to this is the R900 billion infrastructure with society in ghting social ills that are The current scal framework allocates a budget that is spent building new roads, tearing communities apart, such as drugs 9.1% to the local government sphere and bridges, dams, schools, clinics, power and substance abuse. needs urgent reviewing. stations and railway lines. “From Soshanguve to Rosettenville If, the analyst said, municipalities This economic muscle is very critical or KwaMashu to the Cape Flats, continue to struggle to collect revenue for the local government sector. The communities are in dif culty because of from households due to a combination of infrastructure programme spends money to drugs. Other than law enforcement, the factors such as deepening poverty, high build new assets that are mostly managed provision of treatment and prevention unemployment, rates withholding and by local government and rehabilitate services is also critical.” poor collection and revenue systems; existing ones. The local government sector is poised national government would have to step These assets will be key when they are to bene t from the drive towards radical in and assist to keep them a oat. This handed over, in helping municipalities transformation of the economy. The

in order to avoid threats such as the raise additional income and improve question is, are municipalities prepared? ▪ IMAGE:

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“For all its challenges, local government works.”

SALGA IS ANSWERING CITIZENS’ CALLS The deputy president of the Republic of South Africa has praised the work that SALGA is doing and appealed to the organisation to continue serving the interests of the nation.

he 5th South African Local government that is committed to inspiring of South Africa in local, district and Government Association and fostering excellent service delivery. metropolitan municipalities. (SALGA) National Conference, The deputy minister also acknowledged You are our leaders in the sphere of held in Johannesburg from the municipalities that seek and employ government closest to the people and T28 November to 1 December 2016, was innovative ways to utilise resources closest to their challenges, their dreams, attended by mayors, city managers and ef ciently. But, he was equally critical of their hopes, their aspirations, societal chief nancial of cers from South Africa’s those municipalities that were neglectful in well-being, and their futures. You have 257 municipalities as well as several their duties and careless with resources. the opportunity and the responsibility to dignitaries.The Conference opened with transform communities. an address by Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy DEPUTY MINISTER As representatives of our people, President of South Africa, who praised the RAMAPHOSA’S ADDRESS you are in a position to make the most organisation for responding to citizens’ calls It is a great honour and privilege to address important contribution in changing the for a responsive and people-oriented local you, the representatives of the citizens lives of our people.

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Being fresh in of ce, you are a new cohort the minority. For all its challenges, local to build inclusive, cohesive and successful of leaders that I require and will serve our government works. communities. These proposals must lay the people selessly and with distinction. Our responsibility is to ensure that all basis for determined action to rapidly grow Our people have elected you because they structures of local government, in all parts sustainable, inclusive local economies. trust you and have con dence in your ability of the country, serve all of our people all of We seek municipalities – in metros, to lead and to transform their communities the time. That is why we value and cherish cities, towns and rural areas – whose and their lives. They also have con dence an organisation like SALGA. central purpose is to enable job creation, that you will use the assets and resources sustainable livelihoods and successful they have put under your custodianship PARTNERING WITH SALGA human settlements. They need to forge prudently. They have con dence that you For SALGA is answering our citizens’ call partnerships with business, organised will prioritise development and you will work for a responsive and people-oriented local labour and civil society to mobilise tirelessly to advance their interests. government. SALGA is working to inspire resources and ensure collaboration. They hope for an activist cadre of local and galvanise excellent service delivery. Our municipalities should seek creative leadership that will get out of the council ways that can only be limited by our chamber and walk the rocky and dif cult imagination of removing the barriers journey of progress with them. that were created by apartheid and a We seek regulatory framework which stie initiative, WHEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT cooperation and ef cient resource use. We WORKS municipalities – should start imagining an economy without When we see remote villages electri ed, barriers or walls. rural roads tarred and homes connected in metros, cities, Our municipalities need to use to running water, we are assured that technology more effectively to foster local government is hard at work. When towns and rural innovation, to encourage thinking that our children are cared for, when they are areas – whose looks beyond the immediate constraints, fed, and when they are enrolled in Early to signi cantly increase local investment Childhood Development centres, we central purpose and economic activity. Municipalities know that local government is at work should be incubating entrepreneurs and building our future. When ordinary citizens is to enable job creating an environment for faster, greater participate in community safety forums, creation, sustainable employment creation. when they have a say in budgets and Since 1994, we have made tremendous spending priorities, we know that local livelihoods and progress together in creating a single local government works for the people. government system from the fragmented, We have seen where local government successful human undemocratic and racially-divided works. But we have also seen where settlements. apartheid system. it doesn’t. Working together, we are directing We have witnessed the devastating resources to rebuild administrations that legacy of Bantustan misrule and the impact With a partner like SALGA, we will were under-resourced, that performed of apartheid spatial planning. We have achieve the country of our dreams, where poorly and that offered no real value to seen municipalities with poor nancial we have eradicated informal settlements the people. management destabilised by factionalism and provided decent sanitation to all. We have shifted from a tradition and a scramble for resources. With a partner like SALGA, we will of local governance that lacked We have wonderful stories of councillors ensure that women and girls do not have transparency and facilitated the abuse of who have displayed impressive commitment to risk violence and rape because of power and corruption. to their duties and responsibilities. inadequate street lighting or having to use Inspired by our people’s passion for Councillors who remain connected to communal toilets. grassroots participatory democracy, we the people they represent. Councillors We look to SALGA to mobilise all sectors have established an inclusive system of who know the challenges and problems of our society to ensure that no parent must governance that is more responsive to our people face. Councillors who work experience the agony of losing a toddler citizens’ development aspirations. diligently for our people. on the banks of the Jukskei River in ood. These are municipalities that are skilled at We also have experience of councillors We look to SALGA to lead communities to mobilising a broad section of society behind who are detached from their constituents, reclaim our streets from the terror of drug their people-centred vision.They are capable neglectful of their duties and wasteful lords and gangsters. and developmental because they invest in with public resources. They give local We look to this Conference in particular the organisational and technical capacity government a bad name. But, we must to provide concrete proposals about how all of their administrations to effectively hasten to add, these councillors are in South Africans can make their contribution implement pro-poor policies.They derive

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Opening_Address.indd 15 2017/02/27 3:01 PM have the greatest chance of success. And, most importantly, it is in those municipalities where the Mayor takes the lead in the ght against HIV and TB where we are able to make the greatest difference in the lives of our people. Nationally, we have made signi cant progress through the South African National AIDS Council in bringing together all stakeholders and constituencies to implement the National Strategic Plan. The functioning of Provincial Councils on AIDS has improved signi cantly under the leadership of the respective Premiers. Yet, if we are to have any chance of success, the Local AIDS Councils need to function effectively – and they need to be led from the front by the Mayors.

Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, greets the SALGA NEC. Our duty – dicult their legitimacy not through cheap promises, We must root our unity in a determination but by working consistently to improve the to serve the interests of the people – the as it may be – is quality of the life of citizens. poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised – Compatriots, we gather here at a above all else. to forge a unity of dif cult moment in the history of our We must not seek the mere appearance of purpose and unity young democracy. unity. Our duty – dif cult as it may be – is to Constrained both by global pressures forge a unity of purpose and unity of action of action as a nation and local weakness, our economy is not as a nation that is authentic, that is enduring growing at the rate required to decisively and that advances the interests of the people that is authentic, tackle unemployment and poverty. At of this country. that is enduring all levels of government, public nances We have the means, we have the ability are under strain, limiting the scope for and, I believe, we have the commitment and that advances further social spending and increased to build a united nation founded on the infrastructure investment. principles of honesty, integrity and justice the interests of Recent events within the state have for all. raised concern in many quarters about the Many of you present here were elected the people of this direction of the country and the stability of into of ce soon after South Africa country. its institutions. successfully hosted the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban. A CALL FOR UNIFICATION The Conference provided an opportunity We were greatly encouraged by the As the elected representatives of the to strengthen policies and improve meeting held in Durban in March, that people of South Africa – wherever we programmes. It was an opportunity to was convened by the mayor of eThekwini, may serve and whatever position we reinforce our political and nancial together with the national Department of may occupy – we share an abiding commitment to the ght against AIDS and Health, UNAIDS and other partners.The responsibility to answer these challenges. TB epidemics. meeting was organised to encourage the 19 We have a responsibility to realise the Our municipalities have a critical role to South African municipalities most affected vision of a just, democratic and equal play in giving effect to this commitment. For by HIV to join the Fast-Track initiative to society. We have a responsibility to work to it is in those municipalities where there is end AIDS by 2030. unite the people of South Africa. For unity a deliberate effort and direct action that we We are encouraged by the example is paramount. If we are to overcome the see progress in stemming the tide of HIV. of the Durban city of cials who are challenges we face, we must root our unity It is in those municipalities that have working with community stakeholders to in a genuine and shared commitment to the functioning Local AIDS Councils where address barriers for access to HIV and TB values of our Constitution. our treatment and prevention programmes treatment. The city is working towards

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leaders are called upon to join hands to prioritise coordination and community intensify the national response to HIV involvement through programmes like This term of local and TB. Operation Sukuma Sakhe, Ntirhisano, We must work with all social partners Setsokotsane in North West, Operation government must to overcome underdevelopment and the Hlasela in Free State, Operation Vuka socio-economic problems that promote the Sisebente in Mpumalanga and the Balelapa be characterised spread of HIV and TB. We need to focus programme in Northern Cape. greater effort on the prevention of new HIV We thank SALGA for being a vehicle by dedicated local infections, especially among adolescent girls to build sustainable and thriving leadership that and young women. communities as envisioned in the National We will have real impact only if Development Plan. Starting today, let us responds to the immediate, focused and sustained action is build the society we aspire to be by 2030. taken in each municipality and each ward. urgent challenges To succeed in this – and in the broader THE NEED FOR ACCOUNTABLE AND facing our task of development – we must act now RESPONSIVE COUNCILLORS to institutionalise the integrated service This term of local government must be communities. delivery model across the country. characterised by dedicated local leadership We are pleased to see various that responds to the urgent challenges ensuring that health and other public provinces adopting this model to improve facing our communities. We look to services are accessible to all, including the delivery of social services and this cohort of councillors to exemplify people living in informal settlements. empowerment interventions. everything our people expect of their They are ensuring that information is We are proud that initiatives like public representatives. available and healthcare is accessible to Operation Sukuma Sakhe in KwaZulu- We want councillors that are sex workers, men who have sex with men Natal have received international accountable and responsive. No task must and migrant truck drivers. recognition from global partners like be too great and no resident’s concern too Testing services and condoms are UNAIDS. trivial. They must be honest, trustworthy being made available through mobile Here in Gauteng, Premier David and uphold the highest standards of centres and at places like truck stops Makhura and his team are bringing critical ethical behaviour. and taxi ranks. services to our people in an ef cient and No councillor must ever again be Several other cities are similarly taking integrated manner through Ntirhisano. accused of ‘chowing our money’. We want up this challenge. Many more need to In every village, town, township and city councillors that are capable, that understand do so. we must establish the institutional capacity public nances, that have experience in As we commemorate World AIDS Day to deliver better services more rapidly, management and that have a rm grasp of

IMAGE: SALGA IMAGE: on Thursday, all political and civil society ef ciently and cost-effectively. We must the theory and practice of governance. They must always be trying to improve their skills and expand their knowledge. We want councillors that focus all their efforts and talents on the economic development of their areas and the provision of quality services to their people. We want councillors that are worthy of the trust the people have placed in them. In concluding, we wish you well in your deliberations during this conference, con dent that working together you will play your part in making South Africa a better place for all. After all, you are the voice of our people. You are the champions of their interests. You are their chosen representatives and their loyal servants. As national government, we once Deouty President, Cyril Ramaphosa, more congratulate SALGA on its 20-year addresses delegates at the SALGA anniversary and look forward to even greater national conference. collaboration with you in the coming years. ▪

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Opening_Address.indd 17 2017/02/27 3:01 PM CoGTA Deputy Minister, Andries Nel, former SALGA Chairperson, Cllr Thabo Manyoni, and CEO, SALGA< Xolile George DELIVERING ON ITS PROMISE SALGA has made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate of supporting local government’s continued transformation and inspiring service delivery, reports outgoing SALGA NEC Chairperson Thabo Manyoni.

he South African Local and development at grassroots level sophisticated cities and metros with Government Agency (SALGA) to meet its objective of building a signi cant institutional capacity.” In all which has just celebrated its sustainable, responsive and people- SALGA’s activities they have strived to 20-year milestone, recently centered local government system,” he remain relevant to every member, no Telected a new National Executive said while presenting some key highlights matter their circumstances and situation, Committee (NEC) for the period of the organisation’s progress during the while at the same time deepening the 2017–2022. outgoing NEC’s term of of ce. quality of the democratic process at local “With the successful completion of “Since taking of ce in 2011, SALGA government level, Monyani added. local government elections on 3 August has focused on consolidating and building “In this way, we believe that we have 2016; and the 5th SALGA National on the rm foundation that was laid in the served our people to the best of our ability Conference, SALGA in the form of its previous ve-year period. at the coalface of government that is closest NEC formally reaches the end of its “In doing so, we have continually and, arguably, dearest to them: that of local 2011–2016 mandate,” said outgoing NEC borne in mind the diverse nature of our government,” he said. Chairperson Thabo Manyoni. membership base, ranging from deep Manyoni’s presentation reected on the “The newly elected NEC will continue rural municipalities grappling with collective progress in building an inclusive, the organisation’s development journey severe backlogs, ageing infrastructure people-centered and delivery-orientated and strengthen the quality of democracy and institutional challenges, to highly service to communities.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHALLENGES target due to our population growth and supplier non-payments. Addressing AND ACHIEVEMENTS immigration,” said Manyoni. integrated social and economic development, “Local government, being the sphere closest “Service delivery is occurring against Manyoni said that municipalities have to the people, is naturally ‘in the eye of the a backdrop of declining revenues. Fewer pioneered many initiatives that are having storm’ as it were; irrespective of the nature of people are paying more for services but the a far-reaching and transformative societal the challenges our people face. This reality expectation that services will be provided impact on the social and economic reality of has falsely led many to believe that the by local government is increasing. This has communities; citing just a few examples. increasing and violent nature of community huge implications on underfunding and cost “The City of Johannesburg was rated as protests during the past ve years, for of services, especially the growing pool of the best destination for investment attraction whatever reason, is an indication of the those in need of free basic services. In an and economic growth in the 2015 PWC inability of the sector to generally cope with effort to improve the sustainability of our report entitled ‘Into Africa: The Continent’s its mandate and the increasing demands of service provision, the 2012 Review of the Cities of Opportunity’. Its game-changing our people,” Manyoni said. Equitable Share Formula relating to horizontal socio-economic investments include the “Nothing could be further from the truth. allocations between municipalities effected City’s Rea Vaya BRT public transportation Protests are by no means an indication of key changes that now reect changes in system. This large-scale, municipal-run, good governance or accountability in demographics; the extent of poverty; and a mass-transit system has helped to create a municipality. new formula structure, which resulted in employment in the city and connect outlying “Municipalities have a mandatory duty municipalities with high numbers of the poor suburbs with the city’s main economic to include communities in the planning receiving the highest allocations. But, the real growth centres. Cities such as Cape Town, and delivery work of the sector. For the challenge is the vertical division of revenue eThekwini and Tshwane have now also most part, communities do participate in between the three spheres of government, implemented BRT systems. Integrated Development Planning (IDP), with local government still receiving less George Municipality has also initiated a council decision-making and service than 10% of the national scus to execute similar public transit system that is intended delivery processes. the developmental mandate and deepen to expand to Knysna, Mossel Bay and “Many municipalities have strong public democratic participation.” Oudtshoorn and the eThekwini Transport consultation and participatory mechanisms Authority (ETA) has bagged a prestigious in place and these are continually being award for being the best public transport re ned. Some have made use of technology provider in KwaZulu-Natal. to ensure that the decisions they take “In Mpumalanga, the Thaba Chweu are well canvassed and generally highly Municipalities Local Economic Development Agency appreciated in their local spaces. have pioneered (THALEDA) is investing in tourism “Of course, the few sensational cases, like infrastructure, while Nkomazi is taking Vuwani, will always overshadow the quiet, many initiatives advantage of its close proximity to good work being done by the majority. What Mozambique, Swaziland and the Kruger is clear, however, is that much more needs to that are having a National Park; attracting thousands of be done to improve communication between far-reaching and visitors to the Samora Machel monument. councils and communities on the matters “Mbombela has introduced the City most important to the inhabitants,” he said. transformative Improvement District (CID) model, Municipal Public Accounts Committees introducing special rating areas, where were established in all 278 municipalities societal impact property owners pay an additional levy to ensure more focused, structured towards their property taxes. This money is and detailed overseeing; in addition to on the social and then ring-fenced by the municipality and accountability processes. Governance economic reality used for maintenance in that particular area. systems and procedures have also “In Ehlanzeni, through the district’s continuously been improved and modernised of communities. small, medium and micro enterprises to strengthen accountability, reduce lag and (SMME) mentorship programme, ensure responsiveness to people’s needs. cooperatives in the district have received “Local government has impacted on the A critical area of delivery remains the training and are now part of the supply lives of ordinary South Africans by expanding nalisation of service level agreements value chain, supplying services to bigger the provision of services to millions of with Eskom and municipalities. SALGA companies, including mines. people. The of cial and disaggregated engaged in serious defence of the sector “The City of Tshwane, through Project statistics show that tremendous progress in 2015; defending the assault on Isizwe, has rolled out 800 free Wi-Fi sites has been made, particularly in historically municipalities by Eskom and Treasury to date, offering coverage to more than neglected areas such as former homelands; regarding the withholding of the 1.4-million people. Johannesburg and despite continually chasing a moving equitable share allocations due to bulk Ekurhuleni 400 free Wi-Fi sites in each city.

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Thabo Monyani_1.indd 19 2017/02/27 2:56 PM Earlier this year the City, in partnership with in the development of sports facilities as a recently had their investment rating the Province of Gauteng, launched a refuse key ingredient to ensure healthier and safer upgraded into the most ‘highly desirable’ plastic bag manufacturing facility in Re lwe, local communities. Through the Municipal grading categories. Rating agency Moody’s Cullinan, as part of the township economies Infrastructure Grant (MIG) municipalities Investors Service upgraded both the global revitalisation programme. now have the ability to not only build and scale ratings and national scale ratings of “The City of Cape Town continues to construct sports facilities, but to also ensure the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni invest in becoming a smarter, more liveable that the facilities are upgraded to foster the by four notches. place, demonstrating that public-private development of all sporting codes,” he said. Ekurhuleni, as the leading manufacturing partnerships are essential to achieving metro in the country, received a rating of these aims. An estimated R-8bn worth of Aaa, a four-notch upgrade. Moody’s raised development is underway. Johannesburg’s global scale ratings from “Ballito in the Kwadukuza Local Baa3 to Baa2, the highest possible rating that Municipality has recorded substantial As a people- can currently be achieved by institutions in economic growth from investments such South Africa. This rating makes it easier for as the King Shaka International Airport centered and these cities to compete in the international and the Dube trade port. It is now an bond markets, as well as other project anchor economy to its rural hinterlands developmentally- nance and investment opportunities, and to with a large commercial business park and orientated address infrastructure funding. a full-service industry. Buffalo City has substantially turned “Sol Plaatje Municipality’s project on institution, we around its nancial position and has Breaking New Ground (BNG) Housing improved its infrastructure investment has been identi ed by Treasury as the best naturally have a with further room to borrow and accelerate in the country. vested interest its growth. It achieved a credit rating of “These initiatives, demonstrate the A, signalling a strong cash position with growing impetus municipalities have in ensuring minimum exposure to long-term debt. The injected during this term into accelerating rating outlook is stable for both long term the transformation of the socio-economic social cohesion and short term. landscape. We must build on this and human “The ability to accurately report on momentum,” said Manyoni. budgets and nancial statements in addition development in our to improved audit outcomes (including CREATING A SAFE AND HEALTHY performance measurement); shows a ENVIRONMENT municipal spaces. sector rapidly developing the capability to In 2011, South Africa hosted COP17 in take on more responsibility in accelerating the eThekwini Metro Municipality. The social transformation interventions on COP 17 programme included a South FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AND basic services and integrating settlements,” African Mayors Conference on Climate RESILIENCE commented Manyoni. Change, a BRICS session on climate change Substantial progress has been made on the “Financial reports and trends during the and an International Conference of Local nancial performance front. Almost 60% of past 10 years, demonstrate the growing Governments on Climate Change. municipalities now have unquali ed audits. In capacity and capability of municipalities This event marked a shift in the 2010–11, 87 municipalities and entities were to spend their capital and operational approach to climate change with a focus on in the red zone and 18 had clean audits. In budgets, averaging around 90% for local mitigation as opposed to adaptation. Many 2014–15, there were 54 clean audits and only municipalities and metros. These positive municipalities have since incorporated 40 municipalities and entities remained in the service delivery, nancial and capacitation environmental sustainability and mitigation red zone. In all cases, SALGA was directly trends could only point towards an into their Integrated Development Plans. In involved through its Municipal Audit Support increasing capacity of municipalities to plan June 2012, the Local Government Climate Programme (MASP). and execute their programmes and to an Change Champions Committee (LGCCC) Manyoni disclosed that the quarterly increasingly maturing sector.” developed a ‘programme of action’ for MFMA Section 71 Review reports for the 2012–2016. ve-year period paint a picture of positive PROGRESS MADE ON “As a people-centered and trends showing progress in key areas. On SALGA MANDATE developmentally-orientated institution, we the whole, these positive trends clearly point SALGA entered this term with a clear naturally have a vested interest in ensuring towards an increasingly resilient sector. strategic vision forged by the members to social cohesion and human development While the country is on the economic promote the interests of local government in our municipal spaces,” said Manyoni. back foot and ghting off rating and much progress has been made in the “Municipalities have invested tremendously downgrades, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni delivery of the SALGA mandate.

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SALGA continues to build on its strengths as an effective employer organisation and in the day-to-day provision of advisory services to municipalities. Recently, there has been increased visibility in the role played by SALGA in representing municipalities in dispute resolution and misconduct cases and advice provided to municipalities on a range of labour relations and human resource matters.

LEADERSHIP AND TECHNICAL CAPACITY SUPPORT SALGA’s focus on improved leadership and technical capacity has yielded a number of positive outcomes, including the orientation of municipal political leadership through tailor-made induction programmes. More Former Chairperson of SALGA, Cllr Thabo Monyani, having a light moment with a SALGA delegate. than 8 800 councillors have beneted from SALGA’s induction and portfolio-based “In partnership with the NCOP, we in the most cost-effective manner. training in 2011, and in exess of 800 senior pioneered the 2012 inaugural and 2013 • Life and disability cover for councillors managers have received training support follow-up Local Government Weeks attacked during riots, protest or from SALGA. in Parliament. It created a platform for public disorder. The launch of the SALGA Centre for national dialogue re ecting on key issues • Contribution towards the payment of Leadership and Governance in 2015 affecting local government and proling capacity-building training for councillors equelled pioneering a thought-leading, the work of the sector more prominently. In by municipalities. comprehensive and integrated councillor 2015, we held the third local government • Improved administration of the Municipal learning and development paradigm. In week,” Manyoni said. “The Local Councillors Pension Fund. addition, SALGA successfully piloted Government Weeks have, among others, “It is important to note the rising tide an Executive Leadership Development highlighted policy and regulatory constraints of court judgments against national and Programme, which served as a basis for the to municipal performance, which resulted provincial governments encroaching development of the Executive Leadership in positive amendments or changes through increasingly into powers and functions of Coaching Programme. Parliament’s work; and contributed to the local government. It is something “Immediately after the recent local reforms in the local government scal that we are continuing to focus on government elections, we successfully rolled framework and introduction of some strongly in our lobbying, advocacy out the councillor induction programme to new grants to benet the sector. It is an and engagement to ensure that all new councillors. This will be followed by opportunity to showcase good practices the institutional integrity of local portfolio-based programmes and other new and successes in municipalities – thereby government is not only preserved, offerings,” said Manyoni. contributing to changing perceptions about but strengthened to expedite our In partnership with CoGTA, SALGA the sector. developmental mandate,” said Manyoni. initiated and hosted, a National Local The appointment of part-time SALGA “Within the NEC’s rst year of coming Government Anti-Corruption Summit representatives to the NCOP has already into ofce, we oversaw the conclusion of in November 2013. One of the objectives strengthened SALGA’s representation a multi-year Salary and Wage Agreement of the summit was the signing of an anti- role giving it a permanent voice in the for the sector for 2012–2015. This created corruption pledge by all municipalities parliamentary dialogue, particularly in the the foundation of labour peace and to afrm local government’s commitment day-to-day work of committees in the NCOP stability for the next three years; and aided to lead the ght against corruption and National Assembly. municipalities to achieve their medium- and maladministration. A number of gains have been made term budgeting objectives.” SALGA supported members struggling to towards a decent, fair and equitable A collective bargaining agreement for the improve their audit outcomes by launching councillor remuneration and support 2015–2018 period was concluded without a four-pillared Municipal Audit Support framework since the 2011 SALGA National incident and signicant progress on working Programme in 2014. The results and Conference. These include: towards a service charter agreed upon. The impact were evident in the 2014–15 audit • Councillors received tools of the trade that agreement covers 270 000 employees in outcomes where a number of improvements enable them to full their duties efciently 278 municipalities. were registered.

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Thabo Monyani_1.indd 21 2017/02/27 2:56 PM Thabo Monyani_1.indd 22 22 NATIONAL CONFERENCE VOICE O F LOCALGOVE to information. based onaccuratedataandaccess the basisofinformeddecision-making, intelligence willincreasinglyform and InnovationHubasacentreof Municipal BarometerandKnowledge Similarly, thedevelopmentofSALGA’s peer- andexperientiallearningagenda. engagements areunderpinnedbya that peerlearningandknowledge and Governanceisbasedonensuring innovations. energy ef ciencyandrenewable platform todisseminateinformationon the pastfewyears,includingaweb ef ciency andrenewableenergy, during peer learningplatformsonenergy taken partinknowledge-sharingand More than120municipalitieshave PEER LEARNING KNOWLEDGE SHARINGAND President oftheUCLG.” Chairperson, CouncillorParks Tau, tothe arena isevidentintheascendencyofour participation andstandingintheglobal development agenda. localisation ofthepost-2015sustainable the world,inparticulartakingforward government systemtothecontinentand of Johannesburg,topro leourlocal 2015 Africities SummitintheCity of theorganisation.We co-hostedthe leading theSouthern African chapter of Africa (UCLGA)andarecurrently the UnitedCitiesandLocalGovernments tenure,” saidManyoni. has gainedincreasingtractionduringour governance andglobaldecentralisation platforms; aswellstrengtheninglocal in continentalandglobalforums enhanced pro lingoflocalgovernment we haveproudlyexecuted.SALGA’s local governmentisanobligation and abroad,thepro lingofour government inneighbouringcountries “The pursuitofdemocraticlocal CONTINENT ANDABROAD DECENTRALISATION INTHE AND STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFILING SOUTHAFRICAN The SALGACentreforLeadership “The emergingstrengthofSALGA’s “We playedacriticalroleinreunifying RNMENT ISSUE20

municipalities beingthemain important inviewofmember of thiscommunitywealthisparticularly (community wealth).Thesigni cance municipality’s valueinSALGA and enhancementofmember nancial managementimprovement This demonstratesthesigni cant impressive duringthepast veyears. on-investment hasbeen membership levies,thevalueforreturn- the fundingmodelisstillrelianton the challengingenvironment.While nancial standingandresilience,despite way duringourterminbuildingits outcomes andgreaterimpact. programmes anddeliveringpositive this period,offeringmorefocused performance planandactivitiesduring continued tore neitsannual objectives. Theorganisationhas level of95%againstitspredetermined has maintainedanaverageperformance the pastfouryears,organisation Performance Planstoodat73%.During performance againstits Annual this mandate.” organisation. We havesinceexecuted and member-centric nature ofour strengthened thegovernancemachinery SALGA Constitution,whichfurther unanimously adoptedthenew the memberscollectivelyand Conference, ledbytheNEC, states Manyoni. which cangrowandsustainchanges,” in buildingaformidableorganisation, in 2007;andmadeconsiderableprogress pressure, withadisclaimedauditopinion departed fromanadministrationunder systematic andincremental.We have was awell-plannedprocess–both former executivemayor Amos Masondo, started byoneofourleadingstalwarts, “SALGA’s institutionaltransformation, SALGA’S TRANSFORMATION were thehallmarksofterm. and continuousaccountabilityto members leadership, goodgovernanceand regular commented Manyoni. funding sourceoftheorganisation,” “The organisationhascomealong In 2010–11,theorganisation’s “At the2012SpecialNational He wentontosaythatthought

human beingsinallourcommunities.▪ support andaccommodationofourfellow solidarity throughwelcoming,care, peace, freedomandstabilityshow saying “Letusjoinhandstobringabout people fromallcornersoftheworld, communities thatarewelcomingof with acalltoallSouth Africans tobuild Manyoni concludedhispresentation SHOW SOLIDARITY living realityinourtime.” socio-economic prosperitybecomesa sector’s progress–untilthevisionof challenges thatcontinuetobedevilthe councillors mustaddressthestubborn are real.Thenextgenerationof economic transformationandinequality the continuinglackoffundamental over thenextterm.Frustration with “substantial workremainstobedone sector forward.“However,” hecautioned, able topickupthebatonandmove leadership, andhebelievestheywillbe the nextgenerationoflocalgovernment Manyoniclaimedthathehadfaithin • • • • • TO ADDRESS FOR THENEWNEC CRITICAL ISSUES demarcation reforms. of theimpactcontinuous sector; includingconsideration nancial sustainabilityofthe The viabilityandlong-term of municipalities. as thedeclining-revenuebase consumer indebtedness,aswell Intergovernmental debtandrising long-term sustainablechoices. infrastructural challengesandmaking Confronting energyand transform municipalspaces. local governmenttosuccessfully key leversrequiredtoenable particularly indealingwiththe inclusive humansettlements, Integrated developmentandsafe, their municipalities. ownership ofdevelopmentin community involvementand challenges, includingstrengthening Governance andoversight 2017/02/27 2:56 PM

IMAGES: SALGA

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

SALGA’S NEWLY-APPOINTED NEC

Cllr Lindiwe Mabona- Cllr Parks Tau Cllr Zandile Gumede Ntshalitshali - Cllr Sebenzile Ngangelizwe President, SALGA Deputy President, SALGA Deputy President, SALGA Deputy President. SALGA

SALGA’s new National Executive Committee was KWAZULU-NATAL sworn in at the National Conference. Cllr Thami Ngubane, Cllr Duduzile Mazibuko. Cllr Mluleki Ndobe , Cllr Zandile Gumede ALGA announced its new were sworn in and expressed their LIMPOPO National Executive Committee continued commitment to SALGA. Cllr Florence Radzelane, Cllr David (NEC) for 2017–2022 at the The NEC exercises authority of SALGA Magabe, Cllr Thembisile Nkadimeng 2016 National Conference. between the National Conferences and MPUMALANGA The NEC comprises a chairperson, National Member Assemblies, and develops S Cllr Lindiwe Mabona –Ntshalitshali, three deputy chairpersons and six and reviews the organisation’s strategic Cllr Gibson Chirwa, Cllr Jesta Sidell additional members elected separately priorities and activities while also adopting by National Conference and provincial SALGA’s administrative policies. ▪ NORTHERN CAPE Cllr Nombulelo Hermans, chairpersons who are ex-of cio members Cllr Bongile Mhaleni, of the NEC. Cllr Sofi a Mosikatsi After a smooth voting session, NEC MEMBERS NORTH WEST enthusiastically supported by the RN CAPE EASTE Cllr T.J Makolomakwa, Cllr Maria delegates, Councillor Parks Tau was Cllr Mxolisi Koyo, Cllr Nomakhosazana Fetsang Mokati, Cllr M Khunou, unanimously elected President and Meth, Cllr Deon De Vos, Beyers Naude Cllr Anton Coetsee, Cllr Xanthea Chairperson of SALGA. Zandile FREE STATE Limberg, Cllr Memory Booysen, Gumede from Ethekwini Metro Cllr Sebenzile Ngangelizwe - Deputy Cllr Sofi a Mosikatsi, Cllr T.J Municipality, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe from President, Cllr Olly Matawana Mlameli, Makolomakwa, Cllr Maria Fetsang Mokati, Cllr M Khunou Lejweleputswa District Municipality, and Cllr Bhekumzi Charles Stofi le Lindiwe Ntshalintashli from Emalahleni GAUTENG WESTERN CAPE Local Municipality were elected as Cllr Parks Tau – President, Cllr Robert Cllr Anton Coetsee, Cllr Xanthea Mashego, Busi Modisakeng Limberg, Cllr Memory Booysen

IMAGES: SALGA IMAGES: deputy presidents. The new of ce bearers

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NEC_Elections.indd 25 2017/02/27 2:47 PM NATIONAL CONFERENCE: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

REFLECTION, PROPOSALS AND DISRUPTION ­­– ­ ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE The outgoing SALGA NEC has proposed some shake-ups regarding policy to ensure that municipalities can deliver quality service.

rior to SALGA’s National Elective Conference (28 November to 1 December 2016), the National Executive PCommittee (NEC) of SALGA met in Durban to reect on 16 years of local democracy and its successes and challenges. Based on these reections, the NEC proposed several policy reviews seeking to ‘Inspire Service Delivery’ through protecting and consolidating the successes in the sector; and also Executive Manager: Office of the CEO, disrupting those policies and systems that Seane Nkhahle. prevent municipalities from delivering good quality services to communities. for municipal revenue that is not overly disrupting things that have remained a dependent on electricity revenue. stubborn legacy. NEW POLICY PROPOSITIONS Municipalities are advocating for policy/ “While access to water, sanitation and Sustainable and inclusive economic legislation reviews to ensure that they can electricity has improved, there is also a growth to enable municipalities to play buy power from a range of suppliers, and lack of accountability, maladministration a key role in creating environments can generate their own electricity. and corruption that must be met with conducive to job creation. • Water economy and environmental appropriate consequences. Consequences • Transformation: using the powers sustainability: investment in water must be dealt with differently depending on vested in them, municipalities must infrastructure to enable socio-economic the nature of the crime.” drive bold spatial transformation, to growth and the provision of sustainable Nkhahle explains that there is much reverse the stubborn spatial legacy left services. Emphasis will also be given to to be done regarding the disruption of a by apartheid. sound environmental management and number of systemic and structural issues, • Good governance and resilient green and ef cient technologies. including plans to transform the current municipal institutions: implementing spatial planning patterns still separated the accountability and consequences THE ROAD AHEAD along apartheid geography. “We need to framework launched by SALGA in the According to Seana Nkhahle, Executive transform our spaces to bring people closer previous term. This includes bringing Manager in the Of ce of the CEO, there to the socio-economic opportunities,” he communities back into the centre of is much to celebrate in terms of local said. “One of the ways this will happen is by municipal governance through innovative government achievements and he is improving public transport, thereby creating communication mechanisms including proud of the journey SALGA has travelled mobility to ensure that the people can the use of ICT. so far. “However, there are still some bene t from opportunities.” • Financial vitality of local government structural issues that need correction. At the same meeting, the NEC and scal equity: game-changing There is a duality in the agenda going nalised and adopted the organisational energy reforms in terms of the role of forward, one that seeks to celebrate report for hand over to the incoming municipalities in the electricity and what has gone well, while simultaneously NEC elected at the SALGA National

energy sector; and a sustainable model being pointed and aggressive about Elective Conference. ▪ SUPPLIED IMAGES:

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE

WOMEN STILL WALKING THE LONG ROAD Local government needs to do more to achieve gender equality.

he 2016 SALGA National they represent. On a PR level, men co-ordinators, the establishment of Conference saw much debate outnumber women by 2 626 to 2 184, gender forums, and the development around the opportunities for but this gap is much greater on a ward of gender policy frameworks and action meaningful transformation level where men outnumber women plans. among others. Tand connected governance during panel by 2 864 to 1 413. At the panel discussion, Councillor discussions with delegates, councillors Overall there has been an Gomba afrmed that the achievement of and national government ministers. improvement in the representation equality and the empowerment of women Delegates re ected on the of women in local municipalities cannot be done without input and help participation of women — now that the from 19% in 1994 to 41% in 2016. from both men and women. local government elections were over, This improvement is re ected in “Without gender equality in all spheres as well as other challenges relating SALGA’s election of the rst female of life, we cannot achieve the world we to economic development, policy Provincial Executive Committee all hope to live in. And although the matters on employment and sustainable Chairperson in Gauteng, Councillor government has signed its support, it has development goals. Busisiwe Modisakeng. not impacted on greater South Africa In 2015, countries around the world “But,” said Gender Links Chief enough to see the full potential and adopted a new sustainable development Executive Ofcer Colleen Lowe-Morna, results,” she said. ▪ agenda, which included 17 Sustainable “this is still not enough. We must work Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at council-by-council on issues of gender combating poverty and inequality and mainstreaming and assess where women PROVINCIAL protecting the environment. One of stand and gure out what needs to be STATISTICS the goals is to achieve gender equality done to change these problems.” (FEMALE TO MALE and “ensure women’s full and effective REPRESENTATION): participation and equal opportunity PROGRAMMES TO ASSIST for leadership at all levels of decision- GENDER EQUALITY Northern Cape: 367 to 431 making in politics, economics and A number of structures and programmes Free State: 164 to 195 public life”. have been put in place within local Gauteng: 230 to 312 government to achieve gender equality, KwaZulu-Natal: 430 to 505 WHAT DO THE NUMBERS REVEAL? end gender-based violence, and to Limpopo: 286 to 342 The panel re ected on women’s empower women. Mpumalanga: 240 to 226 North West: 215 to 234 GA representation in local government These include the establishment of L in terms of Proportional Representation women’s caucuses in municipalities, Northern Cape: 97 to 118 (PR), and in terms of the wards the appointment of gender Western Cape: 155 to 263. IMAGES: SA IMAGES:

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Gender_Equality.indd 29 2017/02/27 3:19 PM NATIONAL CONFERENCE: YOUTH

INVESTING IN OUR YOUTH Developing the youth’s skills will equip and empower them to make a positive contribution to society.

onsidered the most fragile high school education or no schooling at SALGA’S INVOLVEMENT members of South African all, and will still be accepted into AND INVESTMENT society, the country’s youth the programme. SALGA proposes to establish a team of constitutes 66% of the provisional conveners to develop a draft Cpopulation. It is imperative that economic Thulani Tshefuta of the South African national document that will identify growth, employment, job creation, Youth Council said South Africa’s ‘youth critical issues as informed by provincial education and skills development bulge’ is a threat to the societal fabric, inputs. This team will also advise on opportunities are created for the youth. especially if no investments are made into the establishment of the SALGA Youth One of the nine thematic sessions youth empowerment initiatives. Commission for local government. The during the 5th SALGA National He said the Youth Employment Accord agenda of the SALGA Youth Commission Conference was dedicated to the has assisted in this process, but it is time includes the implementation of policies, the exploration of initiatives aimed at to realise that there are not enough jobs creation of positions and the development eliminating youth unemployment through in the public sector for the upcoming of strategies to empower the youth. creative approaches and the use of youth, so the promotion of youth Meanwhile, SALGA in the Northern infrastructure investment driving youth entrepreneurship is crucial. Cape Province has already embarked skills development. on a youth empowerment initiative in “The barriers to youth employment are partnership with KAPU, a private company mainly a lack of work experience, technical contracted by LGSeta in the province. skills, professionalism, a social network, This initiative aims to place graduates and the distance between work and home,” The promotion in internships; and create learnerships said Jak Koseff, Smart City Leader for City of youth in the Northern Cape. Currently, 11 of Johannesburg’s Vulindle’eJozi Project. interns are placed at the SALGA of ce In partnership with Harambee Youth entrepreneurship in the Northern Cape and are mentored Employment Accelerator, Vulindle’eJozi by permanent staff members to provide administers an innovative initiative that is crucial. them with work experience relevant to creates opportunities for the youth to their quali cations. Other provinces are access skills through training programmes considering adopting a similar approach. ▪ and entry-level employment. CRAFTING JOB SEEKERS INTO Koseff highlighted how the number JOB CREATORS of unemployed youth in South Africa is According to Thapelo Maleke, President overwhelming for both the private and of the South African Youth Chamber of public sectors, and said innovative Commerce, the self-esteem of the youth projects like Vulindle’eJozi and Harambee is enhanced by employment. Youth Employment Accelerator, assist It is missions like that of the Youth these sectors. Chamber of Commerce that commit to Another such initiative is the City of crafting job seekers into job creators. Tshwane’s Tshepo 10 000 Project, a skills Maleke added that his institution has development programme designed to equip only 40 chambers countrywide, but his the youth with entrepreneurial skills. aspiration is to have a chamber servicing FACT Elizabeth Masoleng, Tshepo 10 000 each of the 257 municipalities. Tshepo means ‘hope’ in Sesotho. Project Manager, explained that one can This will enable municipalities to Tshepo 10 000 is funded from have a degree, diploma, postgraduate interact directly with entrepreneurs in an the City of Tshwane’s operational degree, matric quali cation, incomplete organised manner. budget.

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Youth development.indd 30 2017/02/27 3:08 PM

NATIONAL CONFERENCE: ETHICS

ETHICS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE Ethical behaviour and good governance go hand-in-hand.

o achieve excellent governance, municipalities must create a code of conduct and frameworks for ward committee members Tand implement guidelines and methods to assist them to engage with the community as well as work together with civil society. Deputy Public Protector, Advocate Kevin Malunga, a panellist at the SALGA National Conference, said that his role as Deputy Public Protector is to empower communities and enable ordinary people to take on powerful roles within their communities. He also indicated that in his experience the highest complaints received are those involving municipalities’ service A candle is lit in rememberance of all the delivery and conduct failures. councillors who passed during 2016. Dr Ivor Sarakinsky from United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), shared ten trust parliament, and 22% have no corrupt governments. These are credibility, with the panel that ethical behaviour con dence in government.” fairness in implementation, vision, reduces corruption, resulting in more Henkeman further suggests innovation and professionalism. resources for developing citizens and that con dence needs to be built Ethical behaviour is therefore of vital communities. “Moreover, meaningful through trust. importance to ensure good governance consultation is a statutory requirement and leadership. Local government needs to create a dialogue of skilled facilitators, to build stronger relationships with accessible elected representatives, communities, and play their role in functioning ward committees and proper ensuring that citizens are aware of their community engagement”. rights and responsibilities. This can be Citizens need to understand that achieved through successful and open politics and governance are not the communication channels and appointing same; politics exists before governance. quali ed and skilled people. ▪ Political analyst dd stated that democratic governance must be inclusive and consultative. THE REQUIREMENTS South Africa recently held its fourth Jean Pierre Elong-Mbassi. election since the regulation of local Secretary General of the UCLG Africa FOR ERADICATING government. However, local government CORRUPTION: still has residual transitionary elements. CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR In his ndings, Stan Henkeman from ERADICATING CORRUPTION • Credibility the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation According to Jean Pierre Elong- • Fairness in implementation concluded that “Six out of ten South Mbassi from United Cities and Local • Vision Africans nd politics and the system of Governments Africa (UCLGA), there • Innovation • Professionalism

:S: SALGA/ UPPLI E D E :S: SALGA/ IMAG governance complex, while four out of are ve critical requirements to eradicate

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ethics.indd 33 2017/02/27 3:20 PM NATIONAL CONFERENCE: CLIMATE CHANGE

EFFECTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT BEGINS AT HOME The City of Mbombela Local Municipality demonstrates that action against global warming must be treated at community level and strategically managed.

he City of Mbombela 8. Sustainable local economy Local Municipality and public procurement: (MLM) is a member of Local make sustainable procurement Government for Sustainability, a a standard practice, use purchasing Tleading global network of more than1 000 power to inuence the market towards cities, towns and metropoles committed sustainable production to building a sustainable future. Members and consumption. focus on making their regions sustainable, 9. Sustainable city-region cooperation: low-carbon, resilient, eco-mobile, bio- engage in participatory and diverse, resource-ef cient and productive, integrated mechanisms with other healthy and happy, with a green local governments to enhance economy and smart infrastructure. city-to-city cooperation. MLM operates according to these principles within existing policy as It is critical that the above actions well as legal and administrative urban food insecurity and resource contribute to MLM’s economy and its frameworks to address all issues consumption inef ciencies. future growth, while simultaneously pertaining to climate change. 4. Eco-mobile city: implement uplifting the community. To achieve sustainable mobility solutions and the climate change vision set out in the NINE GOALS TO ADDRESS design to promote human-powered, Seoul plan, and inform the strategy and CLIMATE CHANGE environmentally-friendly and implementation plan, the following broad In 2015, the members of the Local public or shared means of mobility objectives need to be met. Government for Sustainability adopted and transportation. • Transition towards a more resilient the Local Government for Sustainability 5. Smart city: encourage investment and low-carbon local economy and Seoul Plan. This plan sets out strategic in smart urban infrastructure, community: Create opportunities for objectives, commitments and long-term smart governance, Information a transition toward the green economy action for 2015 to 2021 and one of the and Communication Technologies, to ensure sustainable and inclusive components, the Seoul Declaration, performance measurements, indicators local economic development. compels all member municipalities to and standardisation, sustainable Build resilience to climate change address climate change by actioning the construction and planning, and risks to the community, infrastructure following nine goals: promote local renewables. and economy. 1. Low-carbon city and reducing 6. Biodiverse city: integrate urban • Economic, social and ecological pillars greenhouse gas emission: setting biodiversity and ecosystem services of sustainable development: Recognise reduction goals and implementing in local government planning and that a robust, sustainable economy action plans to achieve these goals. policy decisions. and a healthy society depends on the 2. Resilient city: implement resilience 7. Happy, healthy and inclusive city: services provided by well- functioning and adaptation actions to reduce encourage initiatives that emphasise ecosystems, and that enhancing the vulnerability. happiness, quality of life, health, sustainability of the economic, social 3. Resource-ef cient and productive inclusive and multi-cultural diversity, and ecological services is an integral city: transforming urban areas into net safety, education, culture, green component of an effective and ef cient resource productive systems to reduce employment and good governance. climate change response. ▪

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Climate Change.indd 34 2017/02/27 3:11 PM

NATIONAL CONFERENCE: PARTNERSHIPS

SALGA AND ESKOM PARTNERSHIP TO BENEFIT MUNICIPALITIES A partnership between Eskom and SALGA will strengthen municipal electricity distribution through capacity building initiatives.

ddressing delegates at the • Development of cost recovery strategies SALGA National Conference, • Reviewing credit control policies Ayanda Noah, Eskom to ensure risk mitigation relating to Group Executive Customer customer payments Services,A detailed Eskom’s contribution • Addressing indigent policies in line with towards sustainable service delivery at under municipal land. Until recently, Eskom free basic-services policies local government level. Part of the agreed had not been paying any maintenance fees or • Deploying the ‘Adopt-a-Municipality’ partnership, she explained, is the transfer of service charges until the subject was raised programme to affected municipalities skills to municipalities to capacitate them to by SALGA in 2011. However, the process • Ensuring regular reporting to National function effectively as electricity distributors. has not yet been nalised. Treasury on the status of municipalities.

FOUR KEY AREAS Municipal bills and repayment plans Business Adopt-a-Municipality The four key areas where SALGA has In March 2013, SALGA engaged with In 2012, the then Minister for Cooperative partnered with Eskom for the bene t of Eskom on extending the outstanding bulk Governance and Traditional Affairs municipalities are: electricity account settlement window (CoGTA), Richard Baloyi, in partnership period to create an enabling environment with SALGA, signed two Memorandums Free Basic Electricity for municipal cash-ow recovery. SALGA of Understanding (MoUs) for the Business Some of South Africa’s municipalities have in KwaZulu-Natal has been actively Adopt-a-Municipality (BAAM) initiative small urban centres and large rural areas involved alongside the provincial treasury in with Santa, and Eskom. where Eskom is the supplier of electricity. supporting municipalities such as uLundi The BAAM programme was piloted in Such areas fall within the indigent registers Local Municipality to develop a repayment 2011 and is the culmination of years of of municipalities and qualify for free basic plan. This also raised the issue of wheeling testing and experience. It aims to equip electricity. Due to the dynamics involved in fees owed by Eskom to the municipality municipalities with the knowledge and skills the delivery of this service, municipalities (charged to Eskom as a means of ‘rental’ to necessary to build and maintain fruitful had to reach an agreement with Eskom use municipal infrastructure to distribute relationships with the private sector and regarding the proportion of their equitable electricity). The discussions lasted three State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) with the share, which has to be paid to Eskom to years, but in the end, the municipality objective of enhancing the ability of local ensure electricity supply. Alternatively, bene ted as a lower bill was reached after all government to deliver services. the areas need to be transferred to the costs from the parties had been factored in. distribution jurisdiction of municipalities. In KwaZulu-Natal, SALGA is also ESKOM DEMONSTRATES assisting and supporting municipalities with COMMITMENT Service Delivery Agreement the following: Eskom had previously taken signi cant The areas where Eskom distributes • Financial and contract management strides to prepare its distribution business electricity tends to be onerous for training for municipal of cials for its intended role in the restructuring municipalities that struggle to maintain • Focusing on customers that struggle to dispensation that was terminated by infrastructure due to the non-existence of afford electricity government. The signing of the MoU a Service Delivery Agreement (SDA). An • Focusing on government, agricultural, with CoGTA is proof of Eskom’s ongoing SDA would outline the responsibilities of industrial, mining and commercial commitment to making a signi cant

E: S UPP L IED each party and the bene ts of having Eskom customers with overdue debt of more contribution towards sustainable service

IM AG distribute to such areas even though they fall than R10 000 delivery at local government level. ▪

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partnerships.indd 37 2017/02/27 2:48 PM partnerships.indd 38 38 T NATIONAL CONFERENCE: PARTNERSHIPS high unemployment,inef cient transport acute shockstheyexperience. matter whatkindofchronicstressand systems tosurvive,adaptandgrow;no individuals, institutions,businessesand resilience astheabilityofcommunities, African regions.Dolnydescribed lesser developedandimpoverished the foundation’s missionistoempower Dolny fromtheJoeSlovoFoundation said apartheid struggleinSouth Africa. Martin Joe Slovo,aleaderandherooftheanti- to commemoratethelifeandworkof South Africa. that willbene t communitiesaround Conference hasledtoajoiningofforces VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE20 COMMUNITIES BUILD STRONGER JOINING FORCES TO communication programme to helpbuildresilient communities. The Joe Slovo Foundation andSALGA planto implementonopencitizen Some ofthechronicstressesinclude The foundationwasestablishedin2010 Free integratedmobileconnectivityforcommunitiesisonitsway. Cities attheSALGANational Resilient andSustainable presentation onSmart, he JoeSlovoFoundation USSD requests. services providedbyappsorvia SMS/ urban informationsystemsand mobile provides theinteractionbetween platform, acloud-basedplatformthat support wasthemobileservices Africa,” Dolnyexplained. the systemtocommunitiesacrossSouth in toensuretheproperintegrationof municipalities needtoprovidetheirbuy- platform forfree.“However, individual citizen communicationmobileservices municipalities byrollingoutanopen to partnerwithSALGAreach Humanitarian Programmeandintends working withtheUnitedNations shortages addfurtherstress. disasters, whilefoodscarcityandwater events suchasterrorismandnatural systems, endemicviolence,andsudden Another arearequiringstakeholder The JoeSlovoFoundation hasbeen and adoptedbytheconference. ▪ recommendations thatwillbe tabled The commissionmadeseveral • • • • • • including thefollowing: of humanitarianbene ts tocitizens South Africa. to successfullyhostthisplatformin commitments fromVodacom andMTN panic buttonincaseofviolence. Giving womentheabilitytopressa emergency situations Ability tocreatealertsincasesof members Ability totrackthelocationoffamily shelter orvictimassistancecentre Ability tocreatearoutenearest survival Guidelines tocopewithdamageand forthcoming disasters Up-to-date noti cations about The servicewillprovideanumber The foundationhassecured African regions. impoverished developed and empower lesser mission isto The foundation’s

2017/02/27 2:48 PM

IMAGE: DANIEL M ERNST/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NATIONAL CONFERENCE: MUNICIPAL FINANCE NO FUNDS NO GROWTH NO FUTURE Revenue enhancement, diversifi cation and sound fi scal policy are vital for the sustainability of municipalities.

uring its recent National how it’s never enough. “We are unable Conference, SALGA gave to develop our local economies into an overview of the macro- dynamic economies because we aren’t economic climate of the able to expand infrastructure to encourage Dcountry saying that global economic economic growth,” said the councillor. conditions and domestic challenges have affected South Africa’s own economic growth potential. Mohammed Lorgat, SALGA Director for the Municipal Audit Support We are unable Programme, said, “The weaker to develop our outlook is as a result of lower commodity prices, higher local economies borrowing costs, the drought, and diminished business to consumer into dynamic con dence. These challenges economies pose signi cant constraints on the national scus as well as on because we aren’t municipal budgets”. able to expand FUNDING AND infrastructure BUDGET CHALLENGES Delegates raised familier to encourage challenges, all centred around inadequate funding and economic growth. limited budgets, especially for those small and remote Councillors are, however, cognisant municipalities. Inadequate and appreciative of the support that funding undermines the SALGA provides to municipalities notion of a developmental through programmes such as the local government. One Municipal Audit Support Programme Mohammed Lorgat, councillor spoke about how (MASP) and many others. Councillors SALGA Director municipalities are highly urged SALGA to continue with efforts for the Municipal Audit Support dependent on grants from in supporting municipalities to become

IMAGE: SUPPLIED IMAGE: Programme. National Treasury and nancially sustainable. ▪

ISSUE 20 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 41

Municipal_Finance.indd 41 2017/02/27 3:09 PM ROUND-UP A REMARKABLE 20-YEAR JOURNEY Deputy President, Cyril Support Model. The model outcome by 2016/2017. With Ramaphosa, congratulated SALGA focuses on the promotion of the support of SALGA and EY, on its remarkable 20-year journey public accountability, provides the audit fi ndings of Kannaland and said he was looking forward an independent examination Municipality were substantially to even greater collaboration with and evaluation, and reports reduced and led to an improved SALGA in the coming years. on illegalities, irregularities, 2013/14 audit opinion, from He urged municipalities to improprieties, wastefulness and adverse to unqualifi ed. This use their fi nances and resources ine€ ectiveness in expenditure. changed the perception of sector e€ ectively for the purpose of departments towards Kannaland service delivery and transforming DEVELOPING COMPLIANCE Municipality, enabling it to lives in their communities. In 2014, SALGA and EY entered successfully negotiate increased David Makhura, Premier of into an agreement outlining grant allocations. Gauteng, agreed and emphasised the collective technical audit SALGA aims to maintain its the importance of municipalities support that could be provided to relevance to municipalities and having clean audits, as well as Kannaland Municipality, which is provide support that is impact- using government resources regarded as in the red zone because based and beyond compliance. eƒ ciently to transform the of its audit outcomes. For 2017/18 SALGA and EY standard of living especially for the will partner together to support youth and woman. ONGOING SUPPORT selected municipalities with SALGA Western Cape has SALGA and EY developed a three- unqualifi ed audits to progress them partnered with Ernst & Young year Audit Action and Turnaround to the envisaged developmental (EY) to draft the Municipal Audit Plan that envisaged a clean audit local government state.

MANGAUNG IS MOVING AND SHAKING Big things are happening in all transport stakeholders they are at Mangaung according to Councillor an advanced stage of resolving the Olly Mlamleli, Executive Mayor of issues raised by taxi associations Mangaung Metro Municipality. and will present plans to Council at She highlighted some of her its next sitting. This initiative will municipality’s key plans. ensure that traƒ c congestion in the city is reduced. INTEGRATED TRANSPORT Transformation of the Thaba Mangaung Municipality will open Nchu central business district is also the multimodal taxi rank that was on the cards. completed in Bloemfontein in 2011. This initiative will put the small Mangaung Municipality recently The multimodal facility was built rural town on par with other areas integrated Naledi Local Municipality to integrate rail, taxi and all other within the municipality. The design and the rural town of Soutpan into modes of transport into one system, has been approved and construction its circuit and will capitalise on the but one of the key challenges is will begin shortly. untapped potential of salt mining the refusal of taxi associations In the Botshabelo area, the at Soutpan for the benefi t of the to use the taxi rank because of municipality will focus on small and community. Councillor Mlamleli structural challenges. Councillor medium business development, plans to visit other countries and Mlamleli indicated that after much particularly informal traders, to invite investors to work with the consultation and negotiation with formalise the business sector. municipality in this project.

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Report back_News_1.indd 42 2017/02/27 3:15 PM NATIONAL CONFERENCE: ROUND-UP

THREE-PRONG APPROACH TO TRANSFORMATION REQUIRED Social and economic opportunities are not expanding in spatial organisation of people. transformation is a burning line with the growing labour force. Transformation must therefore issue for many, especially local relate to the spatial, the social and governments. SALGA recently SPATIAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL the economic. hosted a session focusing TRANSFORMATION on fair social and economic Fair social and economic transformation. The objective was transformation is not only about URBAN FRAMEWORK to provide a context for commission expanding national economies, but SALGA has since developed a also about ensuring that the most discussions within the SALGA Draft strategy that will appropriately vulnerable people in societies are Strategic Framework. categorise municipalities based Discussions revolved around reached. Growth at any level often on their location within the the role of local government in fails to tackle the triple challenges promoting fair social and economic of poverty, unemployment space economy. This response transformation — a robust debate and inequality. There is a need will adopt the Integrated Urban on how local governments can to address the quality and Development Framework and achieve successful facilitation inclusiveness of economic growth. its implementation plan as of fair social and economic The challenges local governments guidelines for developing support transformation followed. face are such that at the centre of all programmes for municipalities. Number 8 of 17 Sustainable these manifestations of planning It will also advise on appropriate Development Goals (SDGs) states systems are people. People who Integrated Development Plans and that there should be sustainable require access to resources and Spatial Development Frameworks, economic growth, full productive the right and freedom to improve which promote transformed employment and decent work their quality of life by changing human settlements and aŽ rm for all. With the global economy the spaces they occupy. Race the strategic importance of continuing to recover, there is and class are nearly inseparable district municipalities to anchor slower growth and widening in South Africa and the physical regional integration. inequalities while employment expression takes form in the

HIGH PRAISE FOR SALGA guiding municipalities, especially on audit issues”. She further , praised SALGA for receiving four Tahir consecutive clean audits thus Sema,Head of continuing to lead by example. Communications, In its recent strategic planning SALGA. session, the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality encouraged the NEWS AGENCY acceleration of service delivery and the executive mayor APPOINTED Cllr Flora Maboa-Boltman, newly highlighted that ‘the Mayoral SALGA has established elected Executive Mayor of Govan Legacy Project has already built The Local Government News Mbeki Local Municipality in several houses and aims to Agency to operate under its Mpumalanga, has congratulated continue building these houses umbrella. SALGA on the excellent work for the needy’. Head of Communications, that has been done in ensuring SALGA is celebrating 20 years of Tahir Sema, says that the aim that municipalities are well existence and Councillor Maboa- is to publish informative and capacitated. Boltman says she is happy and newsworthy stories and to Cllr Maboa-Boltman who is proud of the work done by the enhance the general profi le of also the SALGA National Deputy association this far, especially SALGA and local government. Chairperson said, “SALGA must the level of professionalism that The agency will cover print- continue with its good work SALGA displays. and social media.

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Report back_News_1.indd 43 2017/02/27 3:15 PM national conference: round-up

FAREWELL TO A NORTH-WEST IcON

Kaone Mmusi Gavin Lobelo, who to the ANC’s Department of died in a motor vehicle accident on Information and Publicity in 26 November 2016, was a long- Maputo, Mozambique before serving SALGA member and former getting involved in establishing Umkontho weSizwe cadre. He held ANC propaganda units in Lesotho many prominent positions within and South Africa. the African National Congress He was later deployed to the (ANC) and local government. Department of International Born in Taung on 5 May 1958, A’airs in the O‰ce of the Chief Lobela was schooled in Mafikeng. Representative in Lusaka until his RETURNING FROM EXILE His high school education was return to South Africa in 1994. Between 2000 and 2007, he was disrupted during the 1976 Soweto Chairperson SALGAs North-West stuent uprisings when he and nine RETURNING FROM EXILE Province and Chairperson of the other students from the Barolong Back in South Africa, Lobelo was Geographical Names Committee and Batswana High Schools fled the appointed chairperson of the RDP of the North-West until 2003. country to join the ANC resistance Forum and Housing Committee. From 2011 until October 2016, momevent in Botswana. In 1995, he was appointed joint- Lobelo again served as the chairperson of the Stellaland Chairperson of the Provincial A TRUE FREEDOM FIGHTER Regional Services Council, Executive Committee of SALGA In 1977, Lobelo was sent to the a position he held until the in the North-West. He was Mayor German Democratic Republic for local government elections in of the Greater Taung Local military training and on his return November 1995, when he was Municipality from 2011 to 2016. was sent to Bophuthatswana to appointed chairperson of the same Lobelo’s contribution was establish contacts and bases. executive committee. not limited to those local He was later deployed to the In 2000, Lobelo became the municipalities where he Selibiphikwe area for joint Executive Mayor of the then o‰ciated, he also contributed operations with the Zimbabwe Bophirima District Municipality toward improving the People’s Revolutionary Army. for two consecutive terms (2000 to administrative capacity of From 1981 to 1983, he was attached 2006 and 2006 to 2011). all municipalities.

SALGA KWAZULU-NATAL LEADS THE WAY SALGA has a mandate to promote initiatives in municipalities in and approaches to governance & and protect the interests of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) that can be IGR within municipalities in the local government as well as the replicated by other municipalities. province. It also serves as a vehicle transformation of the sector In 2013, SALGA KZN established to drive and implement specific enabling it to fulfil its developmental a provincial Governance and IGR SALGA KZN projects. role. The Intergovernmental structure with the main aim to The forum’s members include Relations (IGR) Framework Act promote good governance and those o‰cials from SALGA KZN of 2005 sets out the framework intergovernmental relations. and KZN municipalities who are for national, provincial and local responsible for governance and/ government to promote and MEMBERSHIP AND MILESTONES or IGR functions, as well as other facilitate IGR. The SALGA KZN gGvernance and governance and IGR Practitioners The National Report on the IGR Practitioners Forum brings from government and other sectors. State of IGR identified a number together o‰cials responsible Members of the forum have of challenges but also highlighted for governance and IGR within commended SALGA KZN on some of its success. local government to better and creating a platform that promotes There are multiple pockets of optimally utilise their expertise in and facilitates e’ective inter- exceptional governance and IGR resolving and facilitating solutions municipal learning and relations.

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Report back_News_1.indd 47

IMAGE: government fundingmodelare around therestructuring of thelocal support theimplementation. processes andplay theirroles to must bepartof IDP consultation all government stakeholders spheres of government. He said only, but rather one of all three of local government development (IDPs) should notbeseenasatool Integrated Development Plans emphasised that municipal of all development plansand need torecogniseahierarchy “Localising theGlobal Agenda”. Association focused on thetheme Botswana Local Government Mpho Moruakgomo from the SALGA NECmember;andReverend CoGTA; Councillor Dudu Mazibuko, Andries Nel, Deputy Ministerof SALGA Chairperson; Minister panellists Councillor Parks Tau, During arecent paneldiscussion, FUNDING ANDLEGISLATION UNDER THESPOTLIGHT through strategic partnerships and a multisectoral approach aswell as contribution of communities with emphasis on theinvolvement and AIDS pandemic istoplacemore National HIV/STI/TB Strategy. level inlinewith theSouth African response at alocal government the pandemic and owning the will lay thefoundation for ending next strategic period (2017–2022) strategy on HIV/AIDS over the CEO Xolile George saidSALGA’s AIDS Day on 1December. ceremony tocommemorate World held asymbolic candle lighting Conference, theorganisation During theSALGA National SALGA SENDSAMESSAGE OF HOPE He explainedthat discussions Minister Nel highlighted the SALGA’s response totheHIV/ Speaking at the event, SALGA

be recognisedat aglobal level. common for local governments to said that tenyears ago it wasnot with time. common ground will beachieved stakeholders, andhebelieves that and SALGA aswell asother continuing betweenhisdepartment allow local government toachieve revenue distribution does not burden tobusinesses. necessarily increasingthetax of alocal businesstaxwithout discussion on theintroduction and it wasimportant tohave a fund local government’s mandate a needtofindinnovative ways to Government (UCLG) saidthereis President of United Cities Local Councillor Tau who isalso the REQUIRED UPDATED LEGISLATION INNOVATIVE FUNDINGAND • • • • • related programmes including: On theotherhand,Councillor Tau He saidthecurrent formula of oŸce thisyear. of councillors newly sworn into Drive portfolio-based induction across therural-urban divide districts andlocal municipalities government at thelevels of metros, partnerships within local of more synergistic internal Advocate for the promotion South Africa Chapter at theLocal Level (AMICAALL) Community Action on AIDS of Mayors’ Initiative for Relaunching theAlliance Women through aMoU Established partnership with UN MoU IAPAC andUNAIDS through a Established partnership with national conference: round-up deliver on thismandate. no fundingfor local government to in local municipalities, but thereis instance, poverty isexperienced and needtobereviewed. For pieces of legislation areoutdated Councillor Mazibuko saidthat some achieve global development goals. will notassistmunicipalities to current equitable sharemodel of government. funding comes from otherspheres at alocal government level while said some functions areplanned constitutional amendments. She called for SALGA tolobby for diŽerent reporting frameworks. having several grants, eachwith consolidated grant rather than local government neededa He furthersuggested that and Development Goals. as well astheNational Growth the goals theysetfor themselves Xolile George,CEO,SALGA. fight againstHIV/AIDS. reconciliation andhope inthe to portray aunified messageof participated inlighting thecandles Delegates anddignitaries She also reiterated that the Councillor Dudu Mazibuko ISSUE 20 VOICE O F LOCALGOVE RNMENT

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